RESULTS OF RADON INSPECTION OF SETTLEMENTS COMPROMISED DUE TO DISPOSAL OF RADIOACTIVE WASTE INTO THE TECHA RIVER

Abstract

During past decades, specialists perform an epidemiological observation of the population exposed to the impact of radioactive discharges into the Techa River. The Techa River cohort studies have identified excess cases of leukemia and solid cancers associated with radiation exposure. At the same time natural sources of radiation, such as radon and its decay products, known to be significant human radiation exposure factor, are not sufficiently studied on this territory. The purpose of the study is to assess the mean value and the distribution indices of radon concentration in 14 settlements affected by radioactive contamination. Radon inspection in settlements located on the Techa River (Chelyabinsk and Kurgan regions) was executed. The measurements were performed in 511 dwellings. For radon inspection there were applied detectors based on LR-115 Kodak Track. The analysis shows the sample both to be representative and allow to estimate radon exposure for inhabitants. The average radon concentration in dwellings is 150 Bq/m3, which results in an annual effective dose of 11 mSv. The estimated number of dwellings with radon concentrations above ECC radon action level 200 Bq/m3 is 19. The factors affecting indoor radon accumulation were established. The radiation dose due to the inhalation of radon, accumulated over a long period of time, seems to be generally comparable to doses associated with the radioactive discharges into the Techa River during the 1949-1956.